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Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Mixed for September

December 1, 2016 George Duarte Housing Market Comments Off

September’s 20-City Housing Market Index from Case-Shiller showed signs that rapidly rising home prices in some metro areas may be losing momentum. San Francisco, California, posted a month-to-month reading of -0.40 percent and a year-over-year reading of 5.70 percent. Home prices stayed flat in Seattle Washington from August to September, but posted the highest home price gain of 11.00 percent year-over-year. Slowing home price growth in high-demand areas suggest that affordability concerns are impacting rapid gains in home prices seen in recent years.

Let’s Talk Basements: How to Finish Your Basement so It Adds Value to Your Home

Are you on the hunt for home renovations that will boost usability and value? Look no further than that unfinished basement. In this article, we’ll show you how to turn that dusty cave into an amazing new living space.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 29, 2016

November 29, 2016 George Duarte Mortgage Rates Comments Off

Last week’s economic reports included new and pre-owned home sales, new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rates survey.

Did You Know?: 4 Factors That Can Delay Your Mortgage Approval (and How to Avoid Them!)

November 28, 2016 George Duarte Home Mortgage Tips Comments Off

If you’re currently buying a home and are stressing about the kind of home to choose and which lender to go with, it can help to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the mortgage process. While mortgage applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, here are some factors you’ll want to avoid so the timeline of your approval isn’t negatively impacted.

Refinancing Your Mortgage? Know These Key Terms Before You Sign Your Paperwork

November 25, 2016 George Duarte Home Mortgage Tips Comments Off

When it comes to your mortgage, there are a lot of key terms that are important for every homebuyer to know, and this is no less true than when it comes to refinancing your most important investment. If you’re currently considering refinancing and don’t want to get snared by unknown terminology, here are some terms you’ll need to watch out for.

Five Ways to Make Your Home’s ‘Curb Appeal’ Better Than Your Neighbors’

November 23, 2016 George Duarte Home Seller Tips Comments Off

Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, is an essential part of preparing to sell your house. It’s also where comparison with your neighbors’ homes is inescapable – which poses a problem if you’re both on the market. Read on for five ways to boost your own curb appeal.

First-time Home Buyers: Here’s a Quick and Easy Guide to Your First Mortgage

November 22, 2016 George Duarte Home Mortgage Tips Comments Off

Whether it’s market conditions or the amount you should be spending, there are a number of factors you’ll need to be aware of. If you’re just starting out and not sure where to begin, here are some points to consider that will set you on the right path.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 21, 2016

November 21, 2016 George Duarte Mortgage Rates Comments Off

Last week’s economic reports included readings on the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued and weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates.

Five Unique Renovations That Can Make Small Living Spaces Feel Bigger

November 18, 2016 George Duarte Around The Home Comments Off

Just because you live in a small space doesn’t mean your home needs to feel cramped. There are several renovations that are popular among interior designers to make a space feel larger. Incorporate them into your own home to give it a more open, spacious feel.

Home Builder Sentiment Unchanged in November

November 17, 2016 George Duarte Housing Market Comments Off

According to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for November, builder sentiment was unchanged at a reading of 63. Readings above 50 indicate that a majority of builders are confident about housing market conditions. Readings for three sub-indexes used to calculate the Housing Market Index Readings for builder confidence in current market conditions and market conditions within the next six months were posted at 69. The reading for buyer foot traffic in housing developments was 47. Buyer traffic has not reached the benchmark reading of 50 since the peak of the housing bubble approximately 10 years ago.